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Native Plant Database

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Cissus trifoliata (Cow-itch vine)
Marcus, Joseph A.

Cissus trifoliata (L.) L.

Cow-itch vine, Sorrelvine, Grape ivy, Arizona grape ivy, Possum grape

Vitaceae (Grape Family)

Synonyms: Cissus incisa

USDA Symbol: citr2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A mostly herbaceous vine, large ones woody at the base, with thick, fleshy leaves yielding a fetid odor when crushed. Climbing on trees, buildings, fences, and shrubs, frequent to common. Leaves up to 3 1/2 inches long including the petiole, commonly 3 lobed or divided into 3 leaflets with the terminal one symmetric and the laterals asymmetric. Tendrils coiling at the tip. Flowers small, in greenish flat topped to rounded clusters up to 2 inches wide. Fruit broadly ovate, 1/4 to 1/3 inch long, black when ripe.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Vine
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , AZ , FL , GA , KS , LA , MO , MS , NM , OK , TX
Native Habitat: Cissus trifoliata grows in chaparal, salt marshes, stream banks, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. It sprawls and climbs over rocks, shrubs, and trees. It is found throughout most of Texas.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), PR(N), VI(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Conditions Comments: Cissus trifoliata is a common vine with fleshy leaves that are generally 3-lobed and coarsely toothed but extremely variable in form. The vine has tuberous roots, a woody base, and fleshy structure above. It has clusters of small berries that become black when mature. The leaves give off a sharp odor when crushed.

Benefit

Interesting Foliage: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
Jacob's Well Natural Area - Wimberley, TX

Herbarium Specimen(s)

NPSOT 0917 Collected Jul 24, 1994 in Comal County by Mary Beth White
NPSOT 0922 Collected Aug 27, 1994 in Bexar County by Mike Fox

Wildflower Center Seed Bank

LBJWC-1105 Collected 2011-07-02 in Hays County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Bibliography

Bibref 354 - Native & Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin & the Hill Country (1981) Lynch, D.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Cissus trifoliata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Cissus trifoliata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cissus trifoliata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2011-08-06
Research By: NPC

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